Zurich loses data on 51,000 clients
A tape containing the personal information of 51,000 people in the UK was lost by insurance giant Zurich in August last year.
The group said it had no evidence that the data had been misused, but all customers whose details were on the tape have been advised to take precautions and to talk to their banks.
The customers, including individuals and businesses, have also been offered free identity theft protection and free protection registration with anti-fraud group CIFAS.
However, those affected are only now being alerted to the risk, a year after the incident occurred. The group did not comment on why it has taken this long.
The group said that the tape went missing during the transfer of data to a storage centre in South Africa. It added that an investigation had revealed deficiencies in the management of data tape security procedures in South Africa.
Although the group refused to say exactly what was on the tape, it is thought to have contained financial information and personal details that could be used by identity fraudsters.
KPMG has been appointed to investigate the matter and to recommend ways for the group to tighten it security procedures to prevent a similar incident.